Tina McLain
Lava Lake
A resort lake with views of Three Sisters in Deschutes National Forest.

Lake Name: Lava Lake
Lake Coordinates: 43.92099, -121.77289
Lake Elevation: 4740'
Access: Drive up
Note: This lake has a resort on it and there were warning signs about an algae bloom.
Date: 9-23-22
The fire road closure (happening during summer 2022) was right after the turn off for Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake. This is another lake like Elk Lake where there is a resort on the lake, except this one appeared privately owned. There were warning sighs about an algae bloom in the lake and I could smell it. There wasn’t anyone else there, probably due to the fire closures. I drove to two different places to access the lake and the boat launch had the best view of the lake by far.
There was a good view of Sisters across the lake and the lake was wide open and pretty big. I was more interested in exploring it's sister lake, Little Lava Lake than I was excited to explore this one.
Resources
How to get there (from Bend, OR)
Take SW Century Dr. out of Bend (which turns into Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway) for 35.9 miles. Turn left on FS 4600-500 for 0.9 miles. Turn right on Lava Lake C.G. Complex and proceed for 0.1 miles to the boat launch parking area.
Boat Launch Coordinates: 43.91464, -121.76497
Map
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